Barbara Slater, head of BBC sport, announced the news to colleagues in an email, which said:

I am writing to let you know that our Sports Editor, David Bond, has decided to leave the BBC to take up a new role as a Director with the Strategic Communications company, Milltown Partners.

"Since joining the BBC in 2010, David has spearheaded our sports news coverage, contributing to a step change in the quality, range and impact of our reporting. His professionalism, insight and commitment to the role have been demonstrated time and time again not least during London 2012 and in delivering many exclusive stories and agenda-setting interviews.

"We are very sorry to see David leave but I would like to take this opportunity to thank him for the immense contribution he has made to sports journalism at the BBC. On behalf of everyone in BBC Sport, we wish him all the best for the future.

"The exact date of David's departure is still to be finalised but the recruitment process will begin shortly to identify a new Sports Editor. I will update you further in due course."